Journal Through the Bible: Week 77 Wednesday

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Jeremiah 51:1-35

God's harsh words against Babylon continue. The Medes would one day conquer Babylon. There are also some very beautiful poetic references describing God:

He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding. When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens; and he causeth the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth: he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures. (verses 15-16)

Does God issue any commands?

• God warns everyone to flee Babylon.
• God said to mourn for Babylon because she would not be healed.
• God promised that Israel would be His battle ax and weapons of war.

Does God make any promises?

• God said that He would raise up a destroying wind against Babylon and those that rise up against Him.
• God promised that He would not forsake Israel and Judah.
• God swears upon Himself that He would fill Babylon with the conquering hordes.

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• Jesus is the Holy One of Israel being sinned against. (See verse 5.)
• Jesus, as the second member of the Trinity, would have healed Babylon.

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• This indictment against Babylon also has future implications. In the book of Revelation God calls His people out of Babylon before He destroys her. Even the imagery of the golden cup from which the nations drink and become mad (see verse 7) is mentioned in Revelation 17:1-6.
• Babylon is said to dwell upon "many waters" in verse 13 and again in Revelation 17:1. The day of vengeance that was executed by the Medes and Persians upon ancient Babylon was a foretaste of the judgment that awaits her on the terrible day of the LORD.